Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers to help you feel confident about joining the Future Focus whānau.
Enrolment & Fees
What is the minimum enrolment requirement?
We have a minimum enrolment of two days per week. This allows tamariki time to settle into our routines, build secure relationships with kaiako and friends, and get the most from our learning programme. Consistency helps children feel a strong sense of belonging and confidence.
Are public holidays included in fees?
Our fees are structured to include public holidays. Therefore, no discount is applied when a public holiday falls on your tamaiti’s usual booking day. This ensures consistent staffing and operational costs are met so we can maintain high-quality care all year round.
Is there a sibling discount?
Yes, we offer a 10% sibling discount for the second and subsequent tamariki enrolled from the same whānau. Please speak with your Centre Leader for details on how this is applied.
How do I pay fees?
We suggest setting up a weekly automatic payment through your bank. We also offer a direct debit option, which incurs a small additional transaction fee. Fees are due one week in advance — invoices are emailed each Monday and due by Thursday for the week ahead. We appreciate prompt payment to ensure your account remains up to date.
What government support is available?
We offer the 20 Hours ECE subsidy for children aged 3–5 and accept WINZ Childcare Subsidies for eligible whānau. The Early Learning Payment (ELP) is also available to those who meet its eligibility criteria.
Whānau may also be eligible for FamilyBoost, a government payment introduced to help with the cost of early childhood education. FamilyBoost provides a partial refund on childcare fees, depending on household income.
Our team is happy to help you understand these options and complete any paperwork needed to access the support you’re entitled to.
Can I change my child’s enrolled days?
Yes, we understand that family circumstances can change. Requests to increase or change booked days can be made directly with your Centre Leader and will depend on space availability. We appreciate at least two weeks’ notice for any permanent changes to ensure consistency for staffing and planning.
Where can I access your centre policies?
All centre policies and procedures are available for whānau to view at the front desk of every centre. These include enrolment, fees, health and safety, curriculum, and wellbeing policies. You’re always welcome to ask a kaiako or Centre Leader if you’d like to review or discuss any of these documents.
Curriculum & Learning
How do you support each child’s individual learning journey?
Each tamaiti has a personalised learning portfolio that captures their interests, strengths, and milestones. Kaiako plan experiences around these to extend learning in meaningful ways. Learning stories are shared with whānau through Storypark, where you can add your own observations and feedback.
What curriculum do you follow?
Our teaching and learning is guided by Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum. It emphasises relationships, empowerment, and holistic development, helping every tamaiti grow as a confident and capable learner.
Is the learning structured or play-based?
Learning at Future Focus is play-based and inquiry-driven. Through exploration, creativity, and guided play, tamariki develop social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills in meaningful ways.
How do you incorporate te reo Maori and tikanga?
Te reo Māori and tikanga are woven naturally into daily routines, greetings, songs, and conversations. We celebrate and honour te ao Māori, ensuring tamariki develop respect and understanding for Āotearoa’s bicultural heritage. Our goal is for every tamaiti to see te ao Māori not as an add-on, but as a natural, living part of their everyday learning environment.
What teacher-to child ratios do you maintain?
Our ratios meet or exceed Ministry of Education requirements:
- Under 2 years: 1 kaiako to 4 tamariki
- Over 2 years: 1 kaiako to 8 tamariki
How are transitions handled?
Transitions—whether into the centre, between rooms, or to school—are planned carefully with whānau involvement. We focus on readiness, emotional wellbeing, and open communication to ensure each step feels positive and supported.
Nutrition & Care
Are meals and snacks provided?
Yes, we provide nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, following the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education guidelines. Our menus include fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and balanced portions prepared onsite or by trusted caterers.
Do you cater to allergies and dietary needs?
Absolutely. We cater for allergies, intolerances, and cultural or family preferences. Please share your tamaiti’s requirements on enrolment so we can ensure their needs are safely met.
Are nappies and care supplies included?
Yes, nappies, wipes, and sunscreen are included in your fees, making it easier for whānau and ensuring consistency in care routines.
Wellbeing & Safety
How do you support emotional wellbeing?
Emotional wellbeing is at the heart of what we do. Our kaiako build strong, trusting relationships with tamariki, helping them learn to express emotions, problem-solve, and develop resilience in a calm, nurturing environment.
What happens if a child becomes sick?
If a tamaiti becomes unwell during the day, whānau are contacted immediately, and the tamaiti is cared for in a quiet, comfortable space until they’re collected. We follow clear health guidelines to minimise the spread of illness.
Are all teachers safety-checked and qualified?
Yes. All team members are fully safety-checked under the Children’s Act and most are qualified early childhood and primary kaiako. Ongoing professional development ensures our team stays current with best practice and regulation.
How do you ensure a safe and secure environment?
Our centres meet all Ministry of Education licensing and safety standards. Daily health and safety checks are complete by kaiako, and our environments are designed for clear visibility, age appropriate play and secure access. We partner with whānau to ensure each tamaiti’s well being is our shared priority.
Parent Partnership
How do you communicate about my child’s day?
Kaiako share daily highlights, learning stories, and photos through Storypark. You’ll also receive updates on your tamaiti’s care routines such as sleeping, eating, and nappy changes — to help you stay connected and informed. Open communication helps us celebrate your child’s learning journey together.
How can parents get involved in their child’s learning?
We love parent involvement! You’re welcome to participate in centre events, share your expertise or culture, and join excursions or celebrations. We value your voice in shaping your child’s learning journey.
How do I make the most of parent–teacher communication?
We encourage open, two-way communication. Whānau can connect with kaiako via Storypark, in-person chats, or scheduled learning conversations. Regular updates keep you informed about your tamaiti’s growth, interests, and milestones.
Te Reo & Cultural Inclusion
How is cultural diversity recognised and celebrated?
Cultural safety sits at the heart of our kaupapa. We don’t just celebrate diversity — we live it. The languages, stories, and traditions of our whānau are visible, valued, and woven through our everyday practice, creating a strong sense of belonging for all.
We honour te ao Māori and Pacific cultures through authentic inclusion, language use, and celebration. Our environments reflect whakapapa and cultural stories, helping tamariki see their identity, reo, and heritage represented every day.
Cultural safety means every whānau feels seen, heard, and respected. Our kaiako engage in ongoing reflection, professional learning, and whānau feedback to ensure our practice upholds mana and celebrates the richness of all cultures
What if my child’s home language isn’t English or Māori?
We warmly welcome multilingual whānau. Our kaiako learn key words and greetings in each tamaiti’s home language to support belonging and communication. We also encourage whānau to share their language and culture within the centre, so every tamaiti sees their world reflected and valued.
Still Have Questions?
Feel free to kōrero with your local centre or reach out to our friendly team.